Servicing Mackay & the Whitsundays, day & night Available 24 hours(07) 4881 0491info@gwfunerals.com.au
Available 24/7 · Offices in Mackay & Proserpine

A gentler way
to say goodbye.
Full Funerals $5,500 incl GST.

Compassionate, affordable and flexible farewells, with offices in Mackay and Proserpine. Whether you choose burial or our gentle water cremation, we will guide you quietly and kindly.

Call 24/7 — (07) 4881 0491

I need a funeral now

If someone has passed, we're ready to help this minute  gently, and with no pressure. One call is all it takes.

I want to plan ahead

Put your wishes in place and ease the burden on those you love. Pre-planning is simple, and locks in today's prices.

Available 24/7A real person, any hour of any day
Two local officesIn Mackay & Proserpine, serving the whole region
Transparent pricingClear, itemised quotes — no upselling
Gentle on the earthEco-conscious water cremation option
How we help

Funeral & water cremation services for Mackay & Whitsunday families

Every farewell is different. We offer the full range of options — and the space to choose what feels right, without pressure.

Water cremation

A gentle, eco-conscious alternative to flame cremation that uses water rather than fire — kinder on the earth, and to you.

Traditional burial

A dignified burial arranged end to end, from coffin selection to graveside, at a pace that suits your family.

Pre-planning

Put your wishes in place ahead of time, easing the burden on those you love and locking in today's prices.

When someone dies

How it works

In the first hours after a death it's hard to think clearly. Here's a simple path and one phone call to us covers most of it.

1

Take a breath

There's no rush. Your loved one is safe, and nothing needs to happen this minute. Be with family.

2

Call the right people

If the death was expected, call the doctor or nurse. If unexpected, call 000. In a hospital or care home, staff will guide you.

3

Call The Gentle Way

Call us any time on (07) 4881 0491. We'll arrange to bring your loved one into our care, gently and respectfully.

4

We meet & plan together

At a time that suits you at our funeral home or your home we'll talk through options, wishes and budget, with no pressure.

5

We take care of the rest

Paperwork, permits, the ceremony, transport we handle every detail so you can focus on saying goodbye.

Proudly local

Areas we serve

Two local offices, one caring team — supporting families right across Mackay & the Whitsundays.

Mackay

1C / 17 Evans Avenue
North Mackay QLD 4740

Proserpine

2 Mann Street
Proserpine QLD 4800

Suburbs & towns we care for

In their words

Families we've walked beside

★★★★★

"They took the weight off our shoulders at the hardest time. Everything was gentle, clear and never rushed."

— The Harmon family, Mackay

★★★★★

"We chose water cremation for Dad. It felt right, and the team explained everything with such care."

— Priya S., North Mackay

★★★★★

"Honest pricing and a genuinely kind team. I can't recommend The Gentle Way highly enough."

— Geoff W., Andergrove

Frequently asked

Questions & answers

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Here whenever you need us

Whether it's the middle of the night or months of quiet planning — reach out, and we'll take it from there.

Call (07) 4881 0491
About us

About The Gentle Way Funerals Mackay

The Gentle Way Funerals began with a conversation many Mackay families know too well — a goodbye that cost too much, moved too fast, and left too little room to grieve.

We set out to do it differently: to offer compassionate, flexible farewells at a fair price, with the time and honesty every family deserves. From traditional burials to our gentle water-based alternative, we meet you where you are.

Today we're proud to be a locally owned funeral home servicing Mackay & the Whitsundays, with offices in Mackay and Proserpine — day and night, in whatever way you need.

What guides us

Our values

Compassion first

We listen more than we speak. Your family sets the pace, and we follow with patience and warmth.

Honest & clear

Transparent pricing and plain language. No upselling, no surprises — ever.

Gentle on the earth

Eco-conscious options, including water-based farewells, for families who want a lighter footprint.

Meet the team

The people beside you

Founder & Director

Funeral Director

Family Liaison

Arrangements & Care

Celebrant

Ceremonies & Tributes

Add your team members' names, roles and photos here.

Our services

Funeral & cremation services in Mackay

A full range of options, each arranged with the same care. Not sure what's right? We'll help you decide.

Also available

→ Water cremation

Gentle · Eco-conscious

Water cremation in Mackay

Also known as aquamation, water cremation is a gentle, water-based alternative to flame cremation. It uses no fire — returning your loved one to you with the same dignity and care, and a fraction of the environmental impact.

What it is

A kinder, water-based farewell

Water cremation uses a gentle flow of warm water and natural minerals to return the body to its natural elements — the same process that occurs in nature, only with dignity, care and in a matter of hours.

Like flame cremation, your loved one's ashes are returned to you afterwards. Many families find comfort in choosing the gentlest, most natural option available in Mackay.

Why families choose it

The gentle choice — for them and the earth

Kinder to the earth

No flame, no direct emissions, and a fraction of the carbon footprint of traditional cremation.

Gentle & natural

A soft, water-based process that many families feel is the most peaceful way to say goodbye.

Ashes returned to you

As with flame cremation, your loved one's ashes are returned in an urn of your choosing.

Affordable & clear

From $2,640 inc GST, with a full itemised quote and absolutely no pressure.

What's included

Our water cremation care

  • Transfer of your loved one into our care, 24/7
  • All documentation, permits and certificates
  • The water cremation itself
  • Return of ashes in a dignified urn
  • Guidance and support throughout
  • The option to add a memorial service later
How it works

Simple, from first call to ashes returned

1

Call us any time

We bring your loved one into our care, gently and respectfully.

2

We handle the paperwork

All permits and certificates are arranged for you.

3

The water cremation

Carried out with the utmost care and dignity.

4

Ashes returned to you

In your chosen urn, ready for a memorial whenever you wish.

Transparent pricing

Water cremation cost breakdown

A clear, itemised guide to what's included in our complete Gentle Way water cremation service — with no hidden extras.

ServiceCost (AUD)
The Gentle Way Process$860.00
Professional Service Fee$1,630.00
Transfer into Our Care (Business Hours)Included
Respectful Mortuary Care$550.00
ViewingIncluded
Cremation Permit$85.00
Death Certificate$75.00
Printed Service Booklets (40)$80.00
MusicIncluded
Video Tribute$380.00
Celebrant$400.00
Gentle Way Casket$480.00
Casket Flowers$380.00
Signing Book$80.00
Total$5,000.00

Prices include GST and are a guide for a complete water cremation service. Third-party costs may vary. Ask us for a full, itemised quote — with no obligation.

Talk to us about water cremation

From $2,640 inc GST. We'll answer every question, gently and without obligation.

Call (07) 4881 0491

→ Burial service

Traditional · Dignified

Burial services in Mackay

A traditional burial, arranged with care from the first phone call to the graveside. We handle every detail across Mackay's cemeteries — or your family's own chosen place of rest — so you can focus on saying goodbye.

What it is

A dignified, time-honoured farewell

For many families, burial is a deeply meaningful tradition — a permanent place to visit, remember and reflect. We arrange every element: the coffin or casket, the ceremony, the cemetery, and the graveside service.

We serve all of Mackay's cemeteries, including Mackay Cemetery, Mount Bassett Lawn Cemetery and Walkerston, and can arrange lawn or monumental graves, family plots and later headstones.

What's included

Our burial care

  • Transfer into our care, 24/7
  • All documentation, permits and certificates
  • Coffin or casket selection to suit any budget
  • Preparation, dressing and viewing if desired
  • Chapel, church or graveside ceremony
  • Celebrant, order of service and floral tributes
  • Liaison with the cemetery of your choice
  • The hearse and family transport
Choices you can make

Shaped around your family

Where to gather

A chapel, church, graveside or a place that mattered to them.

Coffin & casket

A wide range of styles and finishes, with honest pricing.

Personal touches

Music, readings, cultural and religious elements — all welcome.

Lasting memorial

We can arrange headstones and plaques when you're ready.

Arrange a burial service

We'll guide you through every choice, gently and without pressure.

Call (07) 4881 0491

→ Memorial service

Personal · Celebratory

Memorial services in Mackay

A memorial is a ceremony held after the cremation or burial — a chance to gather, celebrate a life and share memories, without the time pressures of a traditional funeral. Held wherever felt like home to them, whenever the time is right for your family.

What it is

A celebration of a life, on your terms

A memorial service can take place days, weeks or even months after a cremation or burial — giving distant family time to travel and everyone space to grieve first. Because there's no coffin present, you have complete freedom over where and how you gather.

A beach at sunrise, a favourite garden, the family home, our chapel, or a club or hall — we help you shape a ceremony that truly reflects the person you love.

Ways to personalise

Make it unmistakably theirs

Any location

Beach, garden, home, chapel or club — wherever holds meaning.

Music & readings

Favourite songs, poems, scripture or words from loved ones.

Photos & tributes

Photo displays, slideshows, memory books and keepsakes.

A celebrant beside you

Warm, experienced and led entirely by your family's wishes.

What's included

Our memorial care

  • Planning and coordination of the whole ceremony
  • A warm, experienced celebrant
  • Order of service and printed tributes
  • Audio-visual, photo displays and slideshows
  • Guidance on venue, flowers and catering
  • Complete flexibility on timing and place

Plan a memorial service

Let's create a farewell that feels like them. Reach out any time.

Call (07) 4881 0491

→ No funeral service option

Simple · Affordable

No funeral service option in Mackay

Not every family wants a formal service — and that's completely okay. Our no-service farewell (a respectful direct cremation) is the simplest and most affordable option, carried out privately and with the same care, leaving you free to gather in your own way, in your own time.

What it is

A quiet, dignified farewell — no service required

Sometimes a loved one asked for "no fuss", or a formal funeral simply isn't right for your family. With our no-service option, we care for your loved one privately and carry out a simple cremation, then return the ashes to you.

There's no chapel, no procession and no ceremony unless you want one later — many families choose to hold a small, private gathering or scatter the ashes in their own time. Dignity and care never change, whatever you choose.

$2,640
Inc. GST, from
24/7
We answer, any hour
No fuss
Simple and private
What's included

Our no-service care

  • Transfer into our care, 24/7
  • All documentation, permits and certificates
  • Simple, respectful cremation or water cremation
  • Return of ashes in a dignified urn
  • No hidden costs — one clear price
  • Freedom to hold a private gathering later
Why families choose it

Simple doesn't mean uncaring

Their wishes honoured

Perfect for those who asked for "no fuss".

Most affordable

Our simplest, lowest-cost farewell, with total transparency.

Same dignity & care

Your loved one is treated with the utmost respect throughout.

Freedom to remember

Gather privately or add a memorial whenever feels right.

Ask about our no-service option

From $2,640 inc GST. A simple, caring farewell — call us any time.

Call (07) 4881 0491
Transparent pricing

Funeral pricing in Mackay

Indicative pricing to help you plan. Every family is different — we're always happy to tailor a package to your needs and budget.

Simple Farewell
$2,640

A dignified, unattended water cremation farewell. Inc. GST.

  • Transfer into our care
  • All documentation & permits
  • Water cremation
  • Official death certificate
  • Return of ashes in an urn
Gentle Funeral Service
$5,500

A meaningful ceremony with the comforts families most often ask for. Incl. GST.

  • The Gentle Way Process
  • Professional Service Fee
  • Transfer into Our Care (Business Hours)
  • Respectful Mortuary Care
  • Viewing
  • Death Certificate
  • Printed Service Booklets (40)
  • Music
  • Video Tribute
  • Celebrant
  • Gentle Way Casket
  • Casket Flowers
  • Signing Book
  • Return of ashes in an urn
Burial Service
$5,800

A complete traditional service with every detail handled. Incl. GST.

  • Professional Service Fee
  • Transfer into Our Care (Business Hours)
  • Respectful Mortuary Care
  • Viewing
  • Death Certificate
  • Printed Service Booklets (40)
  • Music
  • Video Tribute
  • Celebrant
  • The Oak Coffin (6 handles)
  • Casket Flowers
  • Signing Book

Prices are a guide only and may vary with third-party costs (cemetery, doctor's certificates, etc.). Please note that all cemetery costs for burial services are additional and will be of the exact council cost. Ask us for a full, itemised quote — with no obligation.

Itemised breakdown

Price Information

A clear, itemised guide to everything included in our Gentle Funeral Service — with no hidden extras.

ServiceCost (AUD)
The Gentle Way Process$860.00
Professional Service Fee$1,630.00
Transfer into Our Care (Business Hours)Included
Respectful Mortuary Care$550.00
ViewingIncluded
Death Certificate$75.00
Printed Service Booklets (40)$80.00
MusicIncluded
Video Tribute$380.00
Celebrant$400.00
Gentle Way Casket$480.00
Casket Flowers$380.00
Signing Book$80.00
After Hours Transfer Fee$440.00

Third-party costs may vary. Ask us for a full, itemised quote — with no obligation.

When someone dies

What to do when someone dies in Mackay

In the first hours after a death, it's hard to think clearly. Here's a simple path — and remember, one phone call to us covers most of it.

Call us — 24/7 →
1

Take a breath

There's no rush. Your loved one is safe, and nothing needs to happen this minute. Be with family.

2

Call the right people

If the death was expected, call the doctor or nurse. If unexpected, call 000. In a hospital or care home, staff will guide you.

3

Call The Gentle Way

Call us any time on (07) 4881 0491. We'll arrange to bring your loved one into our care, gently and respectfully.

4

We meet & plan together

At a time that suits you — at our home or yours — we'll talk through options, wishes and budget, with no pressure.

5

We take care of the rest

Paperwork, permits, the ceremony, transport — we handle every detail so you can focus on saying goodbye.

Good to know

Questions are welcome

However small it may seem, please ask. We've gathered the questions families ask most in one place.

Funeral notices

Funeral notices & tributes

Remembering those in our care. View service details and leave a message of condolence for the family.

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Publish a notice

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✓ Notice published.

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In loving memory

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Service details

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Messages of condolence

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Be the first to leave a message of condolence for the family.

Leave a message for the family

✓ Thank you — your message has been shared with the family.

We're here to help your family

Compassionate, affordable care, available 24 hours a day.

Call (07) 4881 0491
Frequently asked

Funeral FAQs — Mackay & the Whitsundays

The things families most often ask. Can't find your answer? We're only a phone call away, at any hour.

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Contact

Contact our Mackay funeral home

Phone — 24 hours
(07) 4881 0491
Visit us — two offices

Mackay: 1C / 17 Evans Avenue, North Mackay QLD 4740
Proserpine: 2 Mann Street, Proserpine QLD 4800

Availability

We answer every call, any hour, every day of the year.

Mackay office
Proserpine office

Send us a message

Tell us a little about what you need and we'll be in touch quickly.

Thank you

We've received your message and will be in touch very soon. If it's urgent, please call (07) 4881 0491 at any time.

Plan ahead

Pre-planning your funeral in Mackay

Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. It records your wishes, removes the guesswork at an emotional time, and can lock in today's prices — so your family can simply focus on remembering you.

Call (07) 4881 0491
Why plan ahead

A gift of peace of mind

When a death is sudden, families are often left to make dozens of decisions — and to guess at what their loved one would have wanted. Pre-planning takes that weight away.

You decide the details in your own time, with no pressure. We keep your wishes safely on record, ready for whenever they're needed.

The benefits

Why Mackay families choose to pre-plan

Your wishes, honoured

Record exactly how you'd like to be farewelled, so nothing is left to chance.

Ease the burden

Spare your family difficult decisions and disagreements during their grief.

Lock in today's prices

A pre-paid plan protects against future cost rises — what you pay is settled.

No pressure, ever

Take all the time you need. There's no obligation and no rush.

How it works

Simple, and entirely at your pace

1

Have a gentle chat

Meet with us at our home or yours, or simply talk over the phone.

2

Record your wishes

Together we note your preferences — from the type of service to the smallest personal detail.

3

Choose to pre-pay (optional)

If you wish, secure today's prices with a pre-paid plan for complete peace of mind.

4

We keep it safe

Your plan is stored securely and honoured exactly when the time comes.

What you can record

Your plan, your way

  • Burial, water cremation or no-service option
  • The style and location of your ceremony
  • Music, readings and personal touches
  • Coffin, casket or urn preferences
  • Flowers, notices and catering
  • Any cultural or religious wishes
  • Optional pre-payment to fix costs
Record your wishes

My pre-planning form

Take your time and fill in as much or as little as you like — there are no wrong answers, and nothing is binding. We'll be in touch to gently talk it through.

1

Your details

2

Type of farewell

3

Service details

4

Personal touches

5

Pre-payment

6

Someone to contact

Your information is kept private and handled with care, in line with our Privacy Policy. This form is not a binding contract.

Thank you

We've received your wishes and will be in touch gently to talk them through. There's no rush, and no obligation. If you'd like to speak with us sooner, please call (07) 4881 0491.

Plan ahead with The Gentle Way

A caring conversation is all it takes to begin. Reach out whenever you're ready — there's no obligation.

Call (07) 4881 0491
Service areas

Areas we serve across Mackay & the Whitsundays

The Gentle Way Funerals is proudly local, caring for families right across Mackay and the surrounding districts. Choose your area to learn more about our funeral, water cremation and pre-planning services near you.

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Call 24/7 — (07) 4881 0491

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Nearby: we also care for families in {{ landingNearby }} and surrounding districts.

Here for you, whenever you need us

Compassionate, affordable care with transparent pricing. Reach out any hour of the day or night.

Call (07) 4881 0491
Legal

Privacy Policy

Gentle Way Funerals Mackay Pty Ltd (“Gentle Way Funerals Mackay”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in a responsible and transparent manner.

When collecting, using, storing and disclosing personal information (including sensitive information), we comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and any applicable privacy regulations.

This Privacy Policy explains:

  • Acceptance of this Privacy Policy
  • The types of information we collect
  • Why we collect personal information and how we use it
  • Direct marketing communications
  • Security of personal information
  • Accessing and correcting personal information
  • Privacy complaints
  • How to contact us
  • Changes to this Privacy Policy

Acceptance of this Privacy Policy

By providing personal information to us, clients and family members acknowledge that they have read and accepted the terms of this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information in accordance with this Policy.

The Types of Information We Collect

To provide funeral services and related arrangements, it is necessary for us to collect personal information relating to both the deceased person and their family or authorised representatives.

Information we may collect includes (but is not limited to):

  • Full names
  • Dates and places of birth
  • Residential and postal addresses
  • Occupation and employer details
  • Telephone and mobile numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Next of kin information
  • Financial information including bank account or credit card details where required for payment
  • Information required for legal documentation associated with funeral arrangements
  • Any other information necessary to provide our services

We may collect personal information when you:

  • complete forms or applications;
  • enter into an agreement with us;
  • speak with us by telephone;
  • email us;
  • correspond with us in writing;
  • visit our office;
  • visit our website;
  • attend one of our facilities; or
  • otherwise interact with us.

Where appropriate, personal information may also be collected through CCTV security systems located within our premises or through recordings of telephone conversations where permitted by law.

You are generally under no obligation to provide personal information. However, if you choose not to provide information requested by us, we may be unable to provide some or all of our services.

Why We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information so we can:

  • arrange and conduct funeral services;
  • prepare legal and regulatory documentation;
  • coordinate cremation, burial or memorial services;
  • communicate with family members and authorised representatives;
  • process payments;
  • comply with legal obligations;
  • administer our business; and
  • provide ongoing customer support where required.

To deliver our services, we may need to disclose relevant personal information to trusted third-party service providers including:

  • cemeteries;
  • crematoria;
  • celebrants;
  • clergy;
  • florists;
  • monumental masons;
  • transport providers;
  • memorial suppliers;
  • government departments;
  • hospitals;
  • aged care facilities;
  • medical practitioners; and
  • other organisations directly involved in providing funeral services.

Where personal information is shared with third parties, it is provided only for the purposes of delivering agreed services or where authorised or required by law.

Where international repatriation or the return of remains overseas is arranged, we may also be required to provide relevant personal information to funeral service providers or government authorities in the destination country.

Direct Marketing

From time to time, Gentle Way Funerals Mackay may contact clients regarding services, memorial options or other information we believe may be relevant or beneficial.

Following a funeral service, we may also invite families to complete a customer satisfaction survey to help us continually improve our services.

Where appropriate, we may send anniversary remembrance cards or other commemorative communications that we believe may provide comfort to families.

If you no longer wish to receive these communications, you may contact us at any time and request to opt out.

Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Personal information is accessible only to authorised personnel who require access to perform their duties and who are required to maintain confidentiality.

While no method of electronic storage or transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure, we implement appropriate physical, electronic and administrative safeguards to protect personal information.

If we become aware of a data breach involving personal information, we will respond in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Where required, affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) will be notified.

Accessing and Correcting Personal Information

We take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate, current and complete.

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to request correction of any inaccurate, incomplete or outdated information.

Requests should be made by contacting our Privacy Officer using the details below.

In some circumstances, we may charge a reasonable administrative fee for providing access to personal information. If applicable, you will be advised of any costs before your request is processed.

Privacy Complaints

If you have concerns regarding the way your personal information has been collected, handled or disclosed, please contact our Privacy Officer.

We will investigate your complaint and endeavour to respond promptly.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

Mail: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

Telephone: 1300 363 992

Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au

Website: www.oaic.gov.au

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or wish to make a privacy enquiry, request access to personal information or lodge a complaint, please contact:

Privacy Officer — Nathan Boyle

Gentle Way Funerals Mackay Pty Ltd

Email: info@gwfunerals.com.au

Postal Address: 1C / 17 Evans Avenue, North Mackay QLD 4740, Australia

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, business practices or our services.

The current version of this Privacy Policy will always be available on our website at www.gwfunerals.com.au.


Last updated July 2026.